FMCSA Adds Ethanol to Nationwide Hours-of-Service Waiver for Fuel Haulers
FMCSA expanded its nationwide HOS waiver so drivers hauling ethanol are now covered too. The order runs through Dec. 16.
Key facts
Since mid-September, a nationwide FMCSA hours-of-service (HOS) waiver has covered drivers hauling gasoline and diesel. It runs through Dec. 16, 2026.
The Renewable Fuels Association asked in an Oct. 5 letter to add ethanol, arguing that delays in ethanol delivery affect fuel supply like gasoline delays.
The amendment, signed Oct. 15, covers gasoline, diesel, ethanol and denatured ethanol. Heating oil is included if it makes up no more than 75% of a shipment.
Under the base waiver a driver may drive up to 16 hours a day instead of the usual 11 within a 14-hour window. A valid CDL is required and drivers must carry a copy of the waiver.
FMCSA cites possible higher demand for hauling and for harvest. FreightWaves calls it the first nationwide waiver since COVID.
Source: Land Line, FreightWaves, CCJ